- Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga is among the opposition leaders who accompanied the Head of State on a three-day state visit to the US.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga is among the opposition leaders who accompanied the Head of State on a three-day state visit to the US. This has stirred up a debate among Kenyans on social media and among other opposition leaders, raising eyebrows.
Asego Public Litigation Forum Executive Director Michael Kojo commends Wanga for playing her cards well. According to Kojo, the county will benefit, and the trip will not affect her political stance.
Wanga, through the county's spokesperson, Atieno Otieno, came out clean, explaining her reason for the visit. Atieno emphasised the significance of the accompaniment to the health sector and the county.
"Governor Wanga sets out to seek help in the fight against HIV and AIDS," she said.
Homa Bay is among the leading counties with HIV cases.
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"The Governor went to the US in her capacity as the vice chairperson of the Council of Governor's Committee health sector. The visit will be of great significance to the county in the fight of HIV," Atieno said.
Governor Wanga was elected on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket and is a staunch ally of the opposition, Azimio la Umoja.
With the increased hype about the visit, Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga explained why some of the opposition leaders accompanied the president.
In a statement, he mentioned Governor Gladys Wanga and his counterpart Wavinya Ndeti of Machakos, Opiyo Wandati, the National Minority leader, as part of the delegation on the visit.
Raila said it was not out of the blue, but they had his permission and the coalitions.
He also sent them on an assignment to make good use of the visit while trying to make the United States understand the problems of Kenya.
The explanation did not satisfy Kenyans, especially X, who refused to buy the deception. @Chris Ogai on X wrote, "She is a joyrider like most other foxes."
The trust of Kenyans in their leaders seems to diminish daily, which is dangerous to democracy.
Governor Wanga recognises the United States' crucial role in advancing the health sector.
"During our visit to the Center for Disease Control [CDC] we discussed plans to enhance collaboration and expand pharmaceutical manufacturing. We witnessed the signing of the crucial agreement between the Kenya Medical Research Institute and the CDC" Wanga said on her Facebook page.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, CS Defense Aden Duale, Council of Governors chairperson Ann Waiguru, Senate Majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot, and National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah.
